Does anyone have any information of the water feature that will be at City Center? It is being billed as a "one-of-a-kind water feature from Wet Designs, the architects of Bellagio’s famed fountain show."

justdefended

Aug 7, 2008, 5:15 PM

Does anyone have any information of the water feature that will be at City Center? It is being billed as a "one-of-a-kind water feature from Wet Designs, the architects of Bellagio’s famed fountain show."

According to a sales rep, the CityCenter Fountain is a $25 million installation in front of the Aria Resort and Casino. It's supposed to feature light and water (no word about sound), but most details are kept under wraps.

Silas

Aug 7, 2008, 7:06 PM

Jake,

54% of CC condos have been sold in the same way that 100% of Trump condos were sold on the first day.

ScottG

Aug 7, 2008, 7:10 PM

According to a sales rep, the CityCenter Fountain is a $25 million installation in front of the Aria Resort and Casino. It's supposed to feature light and water (no word about sound), but most details are kept under wraps.

where would this go? exterior / interior?

im assuming inside - the exterior is too cramped

Jake2006

Aug 7, 2008, 9:22 PM

Jake,

54% of CC condos have been sold in the same way that 100% of Trump condos were sold on the first day.

You could be right. Just reporting what they said in their earnings call.

justdefended

Aug 8, 2008, 12:00 AM

where would this go? exterior / interior?

im assuming inside - the exterior is too cramped

It's on the outside near the Aria porte cochere. It's kind of a big circular driveway there and within the circle is the proposed installation.

It's so secretive that on some initial renderings there's just grass in the area.

justdefended

Aug 8, 2008, 12:15 AM

In other news, Deutsche Bank will foreclose on The Cosmopolitan.

According to Bloomberg, Deutsche Bank is in talks with MGM Mirage and Hilton to take over or partner on the property.

The article says that MGM or Hilton would possibly run the casino, not the entire project.

I spoke with a source at the Cosmo sales office early today and they said that unit sales were still on hold. They said that there were lots of closed door meetings going on with high level people in attendance.

justdefended

Aug 8, 2008, 2:44 AM

LVRJ in Jan. reported that MGM Mirage didn't dismiss taking over the Cosmopolitan if it made financial sense. Deutsche Bank had previously approached MGM about it.

http://www.lvrj.com/business/13860847.html

It would seem strange if MGM managed the casino and not the hotel operations, particularly when they excel in hospitality. Deutsche Bank is likely opting for partners until it can sell the Cosmo in a better climate.

With Deutsche Bank as the owner, one entity managing the hotel and another operating the casino, it's difficult to see how it would turn out with so many cooks in the kitchen.

mdiederi

Aug 8, 2008, 1:46 PM

I was wondering when, not if, they were going to announce this. Summerlin Center will be delayed another year. It's already partially built with several steel frames in place. But it's being built by the same company that couldn't get financing for the Echelon mall, General Growth Properties.
http://www.globest.com/news/1213_1216/lasvegas/172895-1.html

laguna

Aug 8, 2008, 5:21 PM

Yesterday I ventured to the outlet mall downtown and could barely find a parking space, even with the new multi-level addition. The stores were packed with shoppers, most of whom sounded like they were from Euro-land.

Last night I ventured to the Strip to check out the action. Knowing that Aug. is generally a slow month, MGM reporting losses, and it being a weekday, I speculated that it would be kind of slow. Boy was I wrong! The strip was jammed with pedestrians (and cars as usual). The Bellagio was so packed, I thought it must have a special event, but nobody knew of one.

I realize that my brief look is anecdotal, but surprising none the less.

Also, I stood on the upper deck of the Bellagio parking and viewed the massive Cosmo by moonlight, it was much more impressive in person.

The_Analyst

Aug 8, 2008, 8:39 PM

You have kind of a multiplier effect happening in Vegas. It's not so much the actual visitor count as much as the money count. I think I saw that occupancy is down about 2% on the Strip. Which means in a casino filled with 1,000 people, 2% is only 20 people so you might not really notice the difference. The problem is, those remaining 980 people paid less for their rooms. They also are gambling less (or hitting up the nickel slots instead of quarter slots more often). They are going over to McDonalds instead of higher-end places, not shopping as much, etc. etc. So, a slightly smaller number of people but spending less yields a lot less money coming in.

lfc4life

Aug 8, 2008, 8:58 PM

You have kind of a multiplier effect happening in Vegas. It's not so much the actual visitor count as much as the money count. I think I saw that occupancy is down about 2% on the Strip. Which means in a casino filled with 1,000 people, 2% is only 20 people so you might not really notice the difference. The problem is, those remaining 980 people paid less for their rooms. They also are gambling less (or hitting up the nickel slots instead of quarter slots more often). They are going over to McDonalds instead of higher-end places, not shopping as much, etc. etc. So, a slightly smaller number of people but spending less yields a lot less money coming in.

mgm released their 2nd quarter results earlier this week and for them:

room occupancy is down 1% from last year
total casino revenue is down 4%, slot revenue is down 10% though
Food and beverage revenue was actually UP 2% from last year so everyone isn't going to mickey D's just yet

according to the latest reports from lv convention and visitors authority much of the fall is due to convention goers who have cut back on their spending dramatically from a year ago

mdiederi

Aug 9, 2008, 3:39 AM

MGM profit dropped 69% in the last quarter.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/aug/05/mgm-2q-profit-drops-69-percent/

philip

Aug 9, 2008, 7:34 PM

Last night I ventured to the Strip to check out the action. Knowing that Aug. is generally a slow month, MGM reporting losses, and it being a weekday, I speculated that it would be kind of slow. Boy was I wrong! The strip was jammed with pedestrians (and cars as usual). The Bellagio was so packed, I thought it must have a special event, but nobody knew of one.
Many people are getting married this weekend, especially on 08-08-08 due to the beliefs that the number 8 is good luck (pronounced the same way as "Rich or prosperity" in Chinese. One of my mom's friends is getting married on 08-08-08 in Las Vegas, the capital of wedding chapels. This does not only apply to Chinese, many westerners are also marrying on this date because of the lucky 8 number.

Also, gambling on 08-08-08 (lucky date) can mean that you may have some luck at the table. This is why Las Vegas is packed this weekend.

I hope during the next boom, we can get rid of that travelodge. What a awful waste of space across from city center.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2742844593_f534902daf_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18895803@N03/2742844593/

How come they never finished the Miracle Mile Shops? Will they ever redo the facade along Harmon?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2230/2743684276_9394b96a21_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18895803@N03/2743684276/

This pic is about a month old, but we haven't seen any updates, so...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2716985877_1dcea6098c_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27794530@N08/2716985877

The arch on the bridge is starting to take shape.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/2664583698_cbc635cecf_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmclean/2664583698/

ondarox

Aug 11, 2008, 3:36 PM

Thanks for the photos Vtown. In the second photos, I was wondering what's going on with the construction at the NE corner of Harmon and the Strip. Looks like they're moving dirt around in the photo. Also, has there ever been a plan for this section? Since the Aladdin redo its had that awkward area exposed. It looks odd- especially with the shops surrounding the one strip of vacant land like a peninsula. I can't find a way to cut and paste the photo, sorry!

Aaron Auxier

Aug 11, 2008, 5:38 PM

MGM MIRAGE's PR Firm called me and wanted to make sure I don't (or anyone else for that matter) call CityCenter by the name of MGM MIRAGE CityCenter or MGM CityCenter as the project is just now called CityCenter.

This is because of the Dubai World involvement. I thought people here would be interested in knowing the official name and how it is to be spelled etc - simply...CityCenter.

It seems everytime MGM MIRAGE wants to make sure their product is properly represented, people get mad. If you were the PR firm for Coca-Cola, imagine if people were all over the internet spelling it "Coca soda".

We all spell the Bellagio correctly, I see no difference with CityCenter. I guess because of certain capitals and spacing people get frustrated.

case_architect

Aug 11, 2008, 8:29 PM

Thanks for the photos Vtown. In the second photos, I was wondering what's going on with the construction at the NE corner of Harmon and the Strip. Looks like they're moving dirt around in the photo. Also, has there ever been a plan for this section? Since the Aladdin redo its had that awkward area exposed. It looks odd- especially with the shops surrounding the one strip of vacant land like a peninsula. I can't find a way to cut and paste the photo, sorry!

harmon is being realigned and will run directly through this corner.

ScottG

Aug 12, 2008, 2:36 AM

ive always wondered what with go within the extra/empty space after the road is realigned - also - will the harley davidson area get more land since the road will be shifted?

the miracle mile shops - on the interior have yet to be redone as well - its all still arabian - they redid the floor, got rid of cobble stone and replaced with shiny black and red tiles - and the sky ceiling in some places are now silver foil. but there is still alot of arabia going on

i got a tour of the planet hollywood towers presentation level and snuck in a photo of their model - ill post soon - they have a helicopter fly by at night with a rendering cropped in - this is place wil be big - -the 3rd tower (there is a tower in between the two main one - think of it like an H or a U ---the third tower (duplicate of the one under construction now) will be completely up against the sidewalk - there is NO SET BACK that will be a first in vegas - and rare in general

mdiederi

Aug 12, 2008, 3:43 AM

ive always wondered what with go within the extra/empty space after the road is realigned - also - will the harley davidson area get more land since the road will be shifted?
Yeah, that's where that fabulous Elvis resort is supposed to be built. They should have no problem getting financing for that one, it's such a brilliant and original idea, sounds very luxurious. (tongue firmly in cheek.)

mdiederi

Aug 12, 2008, 3:52 AM

MGM MIRAGE's PR Firm called me and wanted to make sure I don't (or anyone else for that matter) call CityCenter by the name of MGM MIRAGE CityCenter or MGM CityCenter as the project is just now called CityCenter.

This is because of the Dubai World involvement. I thought people here would be interested in knowing the official name and how it is to be spelled etc - simply...CityCenter.

It seems everytime MGM MIRAGE wants to make sure their product is properly represented, people get mad. If you were the PR firm for Coca-Cola, imagine if people were all over the internet spelling it "Coca soda".

We all spell the Bellagio correctly, I see no difference with CityCenter. I guess because of certain capitals and spacing people get frustrated.
I guess they left out the space to distinguish it from all the thousands of other City Center developments in other cities around the world. CityCenter is one of the least imaginative names ever for a development (especially since it's not even in any city limits). Google "city center (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&newwindow=1&as_q=&as_epq=city+center&as_oq=&as_eq=&num=100&lr=&as_filetype=&ft=i&as_sitesearch=&as_qdr=all&as_rights=&as_occt=any&cr=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&safe=off)" and you'll see there's a development called that in almost every city.

CosmoVegas

Aug 12, 2008, 5:01 AM

CityCenter is one of the least imaginative names ever for a development (especially since it's not even in any city limits). Google and you'll see there's a development called that in almost every city.

Too funny. Add to this that their own paid ad comes up with citycenter.com spelled without the capital C, if they are so concerned with it being misrepresented by others why don't they go the extra mile themselves.

mdiederi

Aug 12, 2008, 5:14 AM

It's on the outside near the Aria porte cochere. It's kind of a big circular driveway there and within the circle is the proposed installation.

It's so secretive that on some initial renderings there's just grass in the area.
In the front? Looks like when entering from the strip you might drive down a couple levels, but it's hard to tell what they are building there, exactly.

Part of what we're seeing could be the underground level for parking. Veer Towers will have a driveway that leads underground so that residents and guests can valet park and take an elevator into the tower.

mdiederi

Aug 12, 2008, 1:27 PM

M is topped-out and fully funded.

http://www.globest.com/news/1221_1221/lasvegas/173005-1.html

neworleans

Aug 12, 2008, 2:30 PM

it's underground parking. you won't notice it once it's all filled in and flush with ground level.

Archive of gaming stories
A month ago, investors panicked over news that Nevada's gambling revenue in May plummeted 15 percent to its lowest level in 11 years while Strip gambling revenue fell 16 percent.

That was an overstatement. In reality, the numbers weren't as terrible as the reports indicated -- though pundits have only the casinos to blame. That's because of a quirk in the way casinos report slot revenue, a big chunk of their total revenue, to the Gaming Control Board.

Unlike table games, where casinos count their reportable winnings daily, if not multiple times a day, slot winnings are typically counted once a week. If a month ends on a weekend, casinos generally won't take cash or vouchers out of their machines until the following Monday or later that week -- even if that day falls into a new month. The Gaming Control Board doesn't count casino money as revenue until it's pulled out of the machines, counted and verified.

Because May ended on a weekend, slot winnings from that weekend were included in the June figures -- making the May numbers look worse and the June figures look better than they actually were.

That explains why today's figures don't look that bad even though casino operators had already reported worsening earnings heading into June. Statewide gambling revenue in June fell 1 percent versus a year ago and it dropped 3 percent on the Strip, the board reported.

It also explains the discrepancy between table games revenue, which was mostly down, and slot machine revenue, which was up in most markets.

Some markets with the largest slot declines last month reported big increases in June -- figures that were skewed by the lag in slot reporting. North Las Vegas, down 30 percent in May, was up 52 percent in June and the Boulder Strip, down 32 percent in May and is up 31 percent in June, for example.

So how much did the casinos really win from slots in May and June?

A better indicator of that is wagering volume, which casinos report daily through electronic accounting systems -- figures also reported to the Gaming Control Board.

Statewide, slot volume in June fell 10 percent from a year ago. It also fell 10 percent on the Strip.

That compares with declines in slot volume of 5 percent statewide and 7 percent on the Strip in May versus last year.

So, yes, gamblers spent less in June than a year ago and they spent less than they did in May -- even though the revenue figures appear to show otherwise.

There are actually two underground parking entrances. One of them is under the ped bridge. :D

justdefended

Aug 13, 2008, 3:58 AM

The official Vdara website is up:

www.vdara.com

Just a pre-launch site but there are some nice renderings of the project.

mdiederi

Aug 13, 2008, 2:20 PM

Is the entire citycenterconventioncenter going to be this orange color?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/cc19.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/mdiederi/buildings/cc17.jpg

neworleans

Aug 13, 2008, 3:47 PM

Is the entire citycenterconventioncenter going to be this orange color?

is the convention center the same color cause if you're referring to the picture, i believe those are the bungalows. the convention center is on the other side of the pool area.

mdiederi

Aug 13, 2008, 4:32 PM

Ah, that's right. That's not part of the convention center.

ondarox

Aug 13, 2008, 5:47 PM

What an unusual and surprising interjection of color given to the bungalow (or convention center) area! I really like the color that it adds to the project. I wonder if they will be distributing more pops of color around the project to help liven up the primarily blue glass exterior.

Are models of the CC project still up in various resorts? I'll be in Vegas at Mandalay Bay in 2 weeks and wanted to see a model of the project that is close by.

Another question- on the shorter of the two Strip facing Aria towers, I noticed that super wide concrete wall. It is in a pretty poor location, and wipes out the potential of some rooms with stunning views. Is it for the elevators? Or is that something CC needs to maintain structure weight?

MsuMix

Aug 14, 2008, 4:11 AM

Yes, that "superwide concrete wall" is the center core for for that particular Aria tower, you'll see each of the two main towers has a core and it shrinks in width the higher up they go. These cores do have elevator shafts within them and play a vital role in support of the superstructure of the tower itself.

LOS ANGELES, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Elad Group, the owner of New York's iconic Plaza Hotel, confirmed Thursday it has postponed plans for a multibillion dollar Las Vegas Strip project as well as repayment of a loan used to purchase the site.

The decision comes as a slumping U.S. economy and much tighter credit markets have caused other developers to reassess the need for more hotel capacity in the gambling corridor.

"The (Las Vegas) Plaza project is set to break ground a little later than expected and will do so in 2009," said Michelle Tsang, a spokeswoman for Elad IDB Las Vegas LLC, a joint venture between Elad and Israel's IDB Group.

The developer said in March that it expected to complete the design and start excavation no earlier than the end of the year.

Meanwhile, two investment banks have postponed the repayment of a $625 million loan Elad IDB took out in 2007 to purchase the now-demolished New Frontier Resort & Casino at a record high price of $1.25 billion, or about $35 million an acre.

Payment of the loan from Goldman Sachs Group (GS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Credit Suisse Group (CSGN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has been deferred until May 2009, according to Tsang.

However, analysts and investors have questioned whether the Strip can support the thousands of new luxury hotel rooms expected to open over the next few years, including Wynn Resort's (WYNN.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Encore in December and MGM Mirage's (MGM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) massive CityCenter project next year.

Boyd Gaming Corp (BYD.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) earlier this month halted construction of its partially built $4.8 billion Echelon project on the Strip, citing an inability to arrange financing for two key joint venture segments of the project.

mdiederi

Aug 16, 2008, 4:30 AM

That sounds pretty bad if they can't even make the payments on the loan for the land.

justdefended

Aug 16, 2008, 5:15 PM

The delay or cancellation of these multi-billion dollar projects will be good for Vegas. Hotel operators are currently having to discount rooms by as much as 40 percent to keep a 90 percent occupancy rate.

With no end to the current economic downturn in sight, a handful of new properties will better support visitors the next few years as various markets bounce back.

CityCenter, Encore, Palazzo, Fontainebleau, and maybe Cosmopolitan will get to reap the benefits of being the latest properties in town for at least the next 3-5 years.

By the time The Plaza, Echelon, the Wynn redevelopment, and the MGM Kerzner project open, the demand for additional rooms will likely to be large enough to support another wave of new properties.

CHAPINM1

Aug 16, 2008, 9:51 PM

The Plaza development is a steaming pile of shit that I hope never goes through. Not only does it look cheap, but also there could be something with a lot more potential yet taller than 670 feet that could be built there. Regarding Echelon, it seems crazy to me to hault contruction when already being so far into it.

RandalR

Aug 17, 2008, 2:23 AM

The Plaza development is a steaming pile of shit that I hope never goes through. Not only does it look cheap, but also there could be something with a lot more potential yet taller than 670 feet that could be built there.

It was the ugliest proposal out there, but Elad is probably going to default on the property, anyway, just like Eichner did on Cosmopolitan. As mdiederi said above, not being able to manage a scheduled payment on the land is a very bad sign.

So we'll likely end up with matching vacant lots on either side of Desert Inn for years to come...

ScottG

Aug 18, 2008, 7:55 PM

from lasvegasstripdailey.com

Developers of The Plaza Hotel say they are still moving ahead.
Posted by Aaron Auxier - August 14th, 2008
Categories: Buzz, Construction, Hotels

Several recent news reports say that the financing for the purchase of the land for the future The Plaza Hotel Las Vegas has been extended. According to the reports, the loans were related to developer ELAD Properties’ purchase of the land (that once sat under the Frontier). While the financing extension is encouraging, the fact that the developer says they still plan on moving ahead next year is something happy to look forward to.

Quick Tidbit

The north end of the Resort Corridor would like nice with The Plaza Hotel. Not only would it bring billions worth of amenities to the area (near the already fantastic Wynn and Encore resorts), it could also make the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard the legitimate “Beverly Hills of the Strip”. The question is, can the Las Vegas Strip keep adding so many hotel rooms?

lfc4life

Aug 18, 2008, 8:44 PM

i think the strip can absorb alot more rooms before we see anything close to saturation point, however if all those rooms are five star going for upwards of $300+ a night then it may be a different story completely because there simply is not a big enough demand for 50,000+ five star rooms, there needs to be balance

btw anyone know whats going on in that plot of land between encore and convention center drive??

fontainebleau is working on floor 56 if i counted correctly

Aaron Auxier

Aug 18, 2008, 10:50 PM

As everyone can see, I actually like The Plaza Hotel's design and hope it moves forward. After CityCenter and Palazzo, where else could one buy a pre-construction high-rise condo in Vegas? Also, I like the fact it's not just yet another colored-glass building.

justdefended

Aug 18, 2008, 10:55 PM

As everyone can see, I actually like The Plaza Hotel's design and hope it moves forward. After CityCenter and Palazzo, where else could one buy a pre-construction high-rise condo in Vegas? Also, I like the fact it's not just yet another colored-glass building.

Hey Aaron,

Is Fountainebleau still proceeding with the condo hotel sales? I can't imagine how it will be with them opening that sales office in the current market.

WonderlandPark

Aug 18, 2008, 11:18 PM

I just googled the Plaza. A steaming turd of a project is the correct description. There is worse in Vegas, but, its nearly a decade into the 21st century and they are proposing that thing? Hope it does die.

People have been asking whether Vegas can absorb new rooms since before the Excalibur. My late uncle worked for the old Desert Inn as a VP of marketing, he used to say Vegas could handle whatever got built, and he didn't see that ending anytime soon. He said that in the late 80's and boy that has sure held true over the past 20 years. Build it and they will come...

Aaron Auxier

Aug 19, 2008, 1:40 AM

Hey Aaron,

Is Fountainebleau still proceeding with the condo hotel sales? I can't imagine how it will be with them opening that sales office in the current market.

I have not heard anything in a long time.

Aaron Auxier

Aug 19, 2008, 2:26 AM

I just googled the Plaza. A steaming turd of a project is the correct description. There is worse in Vegas, but, its nearly a decade into the 21st century and they are proposing that thing? Hope it does die.

People have been asking whether Vegas can absorb new rooms since before the Excalibur. My late uncle worked for the old Desert Inn as a VP of marketing, he used to say Vegas could handle whatever got built, and he didn't see that ending anytime soon. He said that in the late 80's and boy that has sure held true over the past 20 years. Build it and they will come...

I agree that people have been questioning the growth of Vegas since the start, and I also agree that this city is wonderful. However, reality must be faced - and that means we need to either increase airport capacity, or find new ways to get people here.

laguna

Aug 19, 2008, 5:46 AM

You guys make it sound like $300/night is alot for a luxury room. The visitors from London and other European capitals are used to paying that much for a nothing room that you can barely turn around in. In San Diego, rooms at the Omni, which is a mid-level quality hotel , Grand Hyatt, Del Coronado, Aviara go for that much and more, as do numerous boutique hotels in the Gas Lamp dist.

Rooms in Vegas have been a good deal for too long. Once the local economy gets settled down a bit from the real estate crash etc. prices are bound to rise, especially for the new high-end rooms. They arent building the new resort rooms for the guy on a budget and not just 'whales' are able to pay luxury prices, lots of people still have dough. Especially with the weak dollar we will see alot of Euros.

ondarox

Aug 20, 2008, 11:49 PM

Hello all! I'm going to be in Vegas next week (staying at Mandalay Bay) I haven't been to Vegas in about a year which is unusual for me, so I'm excited to see the new developments (Palazzo, Palms Place etc) and will be photographing some of the construction at CC and hopefully Fontainbleau (If I can get that far up the strip...)

Any requests on photos? I look forward to contributing some shots to the forum.

CosmoVegas

Aug 21, 2008, 4:24 AM

Any requests on photos? I look forward to contributing some shots to the forum.

How about some shots of the the jagged facade frame work going up in front of the Cosmopolitan and more night shots of MGM'SCityCenterProject. Thanks.

philip

Aug 21, 2008, 4:42 AM

Any requests on photos? I look forward to contributing some shots to the forum.
And some close-up photos of Encore, especially the 2 entrances. Thanks :-)

Snotick

Aug 21, 2008, 7:53 PM

If he isnt able to get that far north, I will be in Vegas two weeks from tomorrow. I will be staying at the Wynn and in the canyon that is Jockey Club.
I will be there for 11 days, so I will have plenty of time to explore.

RandySavage

Aug 21, 2008, 9:48 PM

I can't understand the disparagement for the Plaza proposal:
http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/images/Plaza%20first%20Rendering.jpg

Sure, it's Disney, but that is what Vegas is. I think the Plaza is more interesting than anything currently under construction or proposed for Vegas.

JACKinBeantown

Aug 21, 2008, 9:58 PM

Is there a scientific/psychological reason all the hotels are the same height in Vegas? Surely it can't be because elevators get more expensive above 40 floors. We're talking about Las Vegas. If there was an 80-story hotel in Vegas, that's where I'd want to stay.

T-Mac

Aug 21, 2008, 10:38 PM

Isn't becuase the strip is so close to the airport that the FAA won't let them go any higher. That is what killed the Crowne Las Vegas that was supposed to be 2,000' right? Well, obviously financing as well, but the FAA was not going to let them build that tall. This is just my assumption.

justdefended

Aug 22, 2008, 12:15 AM

A better shot at the area for the CityCenter Water Feature from Wet Designs.

http://www.citycenter.com/images/vision/vision_construction2_sm.jpg

The circular driveway area will be called Casino Circle according to the CityCenter website.

lfc4life

Aug 22, 2008, 2:50 PM

Is there a scientific/psychological reason all the hotels are the same height in Vegas? Surely it can't be because elevators get more expensive above 40 floors. We're talking about Las Vegas. If there was an 80-story hotel in Vegas, that's where I'd want to stay.

all hotels in vegas ain't the same height, the first generation of mega resorts (built in the early 1990s) were all under 400 feet; mirage 335ft, mgm grand 295ft, excalibur 240ft, luxor 350ft. today the hotels going up are all 600ft+ e.g. palazzo at 645ft, encore at 630ft and fontainebleau at 735ft.

the location of the airport means the height of buildings is restricted to 600ft on the south and mid strip, further north they can build past 700ft and crown got permission to build over 1000ft at the old wet and wild site at the very north end of the strip.

lfc4life

Aug 22, 2008, 2:55 PM

Sure, it's Disney, but that is what Vegas is. I think the Plaza is more interesting than anything currently under construction or proposed for Vegas.

looks exactly like the proposal for marriotts grand chateau except with a few more towers

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/images/chateau3.jpg

its not original, its too cluttered and EIFS buildings in vegas have seen their day after the monte carlo fire

looks exactly like the proposal for marriotts grand chateau except with a few more towers

http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/images/chateau3.jpg

its not original, its too cluttered and EIFS buildings in vegas have seen their day after the monte carlo fire

I agree, The Plaza Las Vegas is so lame, before the renderings came out, I pictured one building, modeled off of the Plaza, but larger and taller. Theres simply too many towers which just makes it too tacky.

jazfingr

Aug 24, 2008, 8:39 AM

Regarding The Plaza:

In cities (like New York) each old building stood alone; a testimonial to its architect. You never saw a cluster of buildings with the same architecture. That's where the design for The Plaza fails. Instead of all the buildings being the same, they might consider using different architecture for the skinny towers (maybe even modern) and letting the main hotel building keep the resemblance of the original Plaza.

Frankly, I like the idea of skinny towers - fewer rooms per floor=a more exclusive feel for the owners. However, I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to pull the plug on the residential element, based on the over-saturation of unsuccessful Strip condo projects.

Aaron Auxier

Aug 24, 2008, 7:23 PM

Regarding The Plaza:

In cities (like New York) each old building stood alone; a testimonial to its architect. You never saw a cluster of buildings with the same architecture. That's where the design for The Plaza fails. Instead of all the buildings being the same, they might consider using different architecture for the skinny towers (maybe even modern) and letting the main hotel building keep the resemblance of the original Plaza.

Frankly, I like the idea of skinny towers - fewer rooms per floor=a more exclusive feel for the owners. However, I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to pull the plug on the residential element, based on the over-saturation of unsuccessful Strip condo projects.

I've always said that Strip condos (especially pure residential) made no sense to developers and there would eventually have to be a wake up call as the Resort Corridor is primarily reserved for income-producing casinos and hotels.

While The Harmon and Mandarin Oriental feature residential condos, they also feature boutique hotels.

Cosmopolitan, Trump, Vdara, Signature, and Palms Place are all condo hotels. Fontainebleau was expected to offer condotel product but no word as of late.

The question is...

Will Veer Towers, Palazzo Condos (still unnamed), and Sky Las Vegas be the only true pure residential condo buildings ever on the Strip?

After Duetsche Bank's announcement in a week, the die will be cast for the near term regarding strip properties and condo-hotels. If they sell the project or keep it in house and hire-out the management or possibly entirely undo the condo sales, it will give a clue as to what other projects might do. I dont know what the decision will be, but I know that all options have been on the table. It will be interesting and soon we will know. Right around labor day, give or take a day.

DMaldon762

Aug 25, 2008, 2:47 AM

Details on Golden Nugget new tower

http://www.globest.com/news/1227_1227/lasvegas/173191-1.html

Lecom

Aug 25, 2008, 3:00 AM

Good to know they're updating the Fremont Street casinos as well. Those always seem to maintain a certain old Vegas charm that can't be found at the new Strip megacasinos.

RandySavage

Aug 25, 2008, 3:33 AM

Theres simply too many towers which just makes it too tacky.

Regarding The Plaza:In cities (like New York) each old building stood alone; a testimonial to its architect. You never saw a cluster of buildings with the same architecture. That's where the design for The Plaza fails. Instead of all the buildings being the same, they might consider using different architecture for the skinny towers (maybe even modern) and letting the main hotel building keep the resemblance of the original Plaza.

You guys realize we're talking about Vegas... tacky is what defines the place. It isn't a real city (like New York) and shouldn't strive to be. It's a place of fantasy and decadence. That's the fun of it. The strip features pyramids, "Roman" palaces, Parisian mansard roofs, a fake NYC skyline, rollercoasters, castle parapets, Venetian bell towers, etc. I realize there is a major push to de-theme the place and build more "grown-up," but I think it's a mistake. Vegas ought to go with the flow and build the over-the-top, multi towered Plaza replica.

True Blue

Aug 25, 2008, 6:46 AM

After Duetsche Bank's announcement in a week, the die will be cast for the near term regarding strip properties and condo-hotels. If they sell the project or keep it in house and hire-out the management or possibly entirely undo the condo sales, it will give a clue as to what other projects might do. I dont know what the decision will be, but I know that all options have been on the table. It will be interesting and soon we will know. Right around labor day, give or take a day.

I've heard a rumor that the Cosmo has been sold to a major Hotel chain. It will become a Casino Hotel with no condo components. All the people who have reserved a unit at the Cosmo will have their deposits returned. Again, this is only a rumor but from a reliable source.

I think this makes sense to any potential buyer of the Cosmo. All anyone has to do is look at what's happening at the Trump. Only 200 or so units have closed out of 1282. No one is lending and most owners have to walk away. Lawsuits are flying everywhere. Why would any buyer of the Cosmo want to get invoved with that kind of mess? A Casino Hotel would have full control over all units and they would have the best location on the Strip.

mdiederi

Aug 25, 2008, 1:06 PM

It isn't a real city...:koko:

samoen313

Aug 25, 2008, 1:58 PM

You guys realize we're talking about Vegas... tacky is what defines the place. It isn't a real city (like New York) and shouldn't strive to be. It's a place of fantasy and decadence. That's the fun of it. The strip features pyramids, "Roman" palaces, Parisian mansard roofs, a fake NYC skyline, rollercoasters, castle parapets, Venetian bell towers, etc. I realize there is a major push to de-theme the place and build more "grown-up," but I think it's a mistake. Vegas ought to go with the flow and build the over-the-top, multi towered Plaza replica.

cities evolve.

RandalR

Aug 25, 2008, 5:47 PM

I've heard a rumor that the Cosmo has been sold to a major Hotel chain. It will become a Casino Hotel with no condo components. All the people who have reserved a unit at the Cosmo will have their deposits returned. Again, this is only a rumor but from a reliable source.

That's exactly what should happen. It would instantly become a very desirable property capable of commanding high rates.

And all the people who get their deposits back can come over and buy at Turnberry Place/Turnberry Towers - there are some great re-sale deals here right now. :D

neworleans

Aug 25, 2008, 6:35 PM

Eastside Cannery opens thursday

Employees at the Eastside Cannery prepare for Thursday's opening. Charles Wortman, facilities director, said 1,100 workers will be the permanent staffing level for the hotel-casino, and workers won't be laid off a few months after opening.

You guys realize we're talking about Vegas... tacky is what defines the place. It isn't a real city (like New York) and shouldn't strive to be. It's a place of fantasy and decadence. That's the fun of it. The strip features pyramids, "Roman" palaces, Parisian mansard roofs, a fake NYC skyline, rollercoasters, castle parapets, Venetian bell towers, etc. I realize there is a major push to de-theme the place and build more "grown-up," but I think it's a mistake. Vegas ought to go with the flow and build the over-the-top, multi towered Plaza replica.

It is odd when there are comments about Vegas not being a real city.
Perhaps Randy hasn’t left the Strip, which is admittedly surreal.

I agree with Randy’s main point though, although I don’t think he needs to worry. Vegas should retain it’s over the top architecture and strive for more. Vegas’s ability to provide fantasy and decadence is the reason it has more hotel rooms than larger cities than New York. Randy is right that is not necessary for Vegas try to be a different city. Or “Grown Up.” I think the city’s success is in being so very unique.

I really don’t think it’s necessary to worry too much about the strip losing its quirkiness any time to soon though.
For one it’s just too expensive to tear down the all of the existing build to a massive CityCenter.
Also many of the more colorful resorts are still making plenty of money, so from a finical point of view it would make sense to replace them. ( the mirage is getting a new volcano, Excalibur and Luxor remodeled their rooms, and Caesar’s is building another Roman tower – they aren’t going anywhere for a while)
Lastly, the resorts realize they need to draw the crowds. They will do whatever is need to attract tourists. If the glass towers aren’t drawing people, they will go back to themes, or try something new. If the glass works, there will be more.
We all win any which way. Vegas loses if it doesn’t build crowd pleasers.

One last point, there have been a few that have been much too harsh on the Plaza’s design.
However, if the space is zoned for a taller building, I’d like to see something taller there myself.
Honestly – it's a wasted debate, it’s doubtful the thing will get built anyway.

On a side note - CityCenter is beginning to look more like a theme hotel than people would like to admit. :)

Cosmopolitan is looking quite spiffy, so it that Trump, is it open yet?

trump is open since march

neworleans

Aug 29, 2008, 6:00 AM

Cosmopolitan is looking quite spiffy, so it that Trump, is it open yet?

yeah patrick, where you been!!! trumps been open for almost 5 months now.

JDRCRASH

Aug 29, 2008, 6:39 AM

You guys realize we're talking about Vegas... tacky is what defines the place. It isn't a real city (like New York) and shouldn't strive to be. It's a place of fantasy and decadence. That's the fun of it. The strip features pyramids, "Roman" palaces, Parisian mansard roofs, a fake NYC skyline, rollercoasters, castle parapets, Venetian bell towers, etc. I realize there is a major push to de-theme the place and build more "grown-up," but I think it's a mistake. Vegas ought to go with the flow and build the over-the-top, multi towered Plaza replica.

Now that is truly a nonsensical comment, to say the least, providing no positives in Las Vegas' small replication of other cities....

JDRCRASH

Aug 29, 2008, 6:41 AM

edit

BrandonJXN

Aug 29, 2008, 7:45 PM

I love when people use words they have no business using.

ScottG

Aug 30, 2008, 1:07 AM

the back side of fountainbleau is amazing at the moment - the entire parking/convention/podium is exposed - you can see a mess of steel everywhere - the size of these trusses are amazing - 20 foot deep shears of metal hanging 100s of feet in the air - wow

that building back their is i think, 20 stories - HUGE

the podium / casino is interesting right now - the center part is still dirt, but they built the area close to the street (the riviera blvd facade is going up now - its some weird curvy / wavy thing - new.

the FB sales center looks good - but i think empty -

curious that the venetian condo project has taken down one of its cranes...?

the echelon mcdonaolds is almost done - itll be a snazzy place - lcds all over the front - very fresh

they are taking down the TRUMP sales center sign - possibly they building too soon

they are also taking down the second bellagio sign along the 15 freeway

i went to juhl again today - i LOVE that place - there are parts that look like old warehouses (brick / curtain walls) then staggered balconies, alternating porches - a tower component, loft - double height / single height ceilings -
RETAIL (which is almost all sold) -everything is great, it should really change that area

(not only is streamlines 1st floor vacant - soho, still has not filled their first floor tenant)

neworleans

Aug 30, 2008, 3:39 AM

i forgot who it was, but someone was saying that they thought that the elevator shaft for the citycenter's main hotel was in a bad location because it took away rooms that could have had good views.

I thought i'd mention that the elevator shafts, first of all, have to be in the 2 taller towers...duh. and secondly they are built where the shorter east and west wings merge out.. the narrow crevice where people wouldn't get much of a view. As you can see in this photo..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2810395958_3e4a434932_o.jpg

JDRCRASH

Aug 30, 2008, 11:42 PM

I love when people use words they have no business using.

I love when people say things that lack merit and fail to clarify on what that person is trying to say.

I don't like CityCenter's location inside the strip...it kinda ruins the strip's vibe for that stretch...

mdiederi

Sep 2, 2008, 3:07 PM

Hugo, it used to be mostly an empty lot there for many decades, just a couple very small t-shirt shops and a restaurant along the edge of the strip, the small boardwalk hotel in the corner, a helicopter pad, a golf course way in the back and a huge empty lot in the middle. There was no vibe. :shrug: